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Learning & Development for the State of Colorado
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In this Issue:
- New LDC Email Address
- The Joys of January
- A Year of Impact
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We’ve Updated Our Contact Information! |
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The LDC team now has a new email address: dpa_ldc@state.co.us.
Don’t worry—messages sent to the old inbox will forward to the new inbox, so nothing will be missed during this transition. Please take a moment to update your records and use dpa_ldc@state.co.us for all future correspondence.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing to support your learning & development needs!
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Welcome to 2025! The LDC team decided to change things up this month and celebrate the Joys of January with individual stories on what brings us joy. The first month of the year traditionally has people making resolutions to either stop or start something to improve their lives—we thought we’d start a new tradition of sharing what brings us JOY. Our invitation to you is to ‘pay it forward’ and share what brings you joy with others. Let’s start this year on a positive note and make room for JOY in our lives.
We do however have an update for you before you dive into our JOY stories:
Our two most in-demand leadership courses now have dates posted for Feb - May 2025 in the LXP! Search "Emerging Leader" or "Supervisor Essentials" - or use the Discover tab for more details! These are cohort-based learning certificate programs, which means you must attend each of the four sessions within the same month. You will learn leadership skills and best practices in a virtual classroom, while also making connections and learning from other leaders throughout the State!
Chelsea Winegar—What I love about this time of year is that everything slows down. I get time to reflect on being a wife, a mom, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a boss, a colleague, a rebel rouser, and all the hats we wear in between. For those of you who know me, you know I am not quiet or still—at least not for very long. However, I take this time to rest.
My boys (husband of almost 20 years, my 12-year-old and my 8-year-old) head to the mountains every weekend to enjoy time just for them, and I take advantage of the quiet moments for myself. I find books I want to read, some for professional development and some for personal enjoyment, and daydream about what I will grow in my garden. I think about where I have been, where I am at, and where I want to go personally and professionally. I hope you also take some time to reflect, celebrate, and plan for what’s next. Cheers to 2025!
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Karen Capaldi—In September of 2024 I spent 15 days rafting the Grand Canyon with a string quartet. It was easily the best adventure I have ever been on. As a child, I was fortunate to see the Grand Canyon many times from the rim, but being on the river, deep in the canyon, was a completely different experience. Time moves at a languid pace, there’s absolutely no cell service, and I was constantly reminded of how insignificant I am in the larger picture.
The first day we climbed into our rafts and floated down, soaking in the giant red walls reaching over a mile above us. As the river made a giant bend, we heard the sounds of the string quartet downstream playing Pachelbel’s Cannon D perched in an overhang of the canyon. My eyes welled up, and my heart took up much more real estate in my body.
Several days later we strapped all the oar boats together with the string quartet in the middle as we floated downstream to a concert. There were days we hiked up slot canyons to play in swimming holes, or listen to a concert. We hiked up Havasu Canyon and floated down while giggling the entire way. We jumped off cliffs into the river and had water fights between boats with super soakers. Every night, we slept under the stars watching hundreds of shooting stars, which lulled us to sleep.
Our group was led by seven incredible guides, each with over 25 years of experience on the river—a combined 175 years of expertise. One of our guides was a 70 year old woman who still does one trip a year and we were the lucky ones to have her. Those guides navigated the intense rapids so masterfully the oar boats looked like giant pads of butter on an English muffin. It was the trip of a lifetime. I’m insanely grateful for the experience.
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Matthew Knight—Cutting a Christmas tree with my family brings me joy because it’s more than just picking a tree—it’s about creating lasting memories together.
From the crisp winter air to the shared laughter while searching for the perfect one, every moment feels special.
Watching the kids’ excitement and teamwork makes it even more meaningful, transforming an ordinary task into a cherished family ritual.
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Abigail Nguyen—What brings me joy is experiencing live music with friends and family. I love all kinds of live music, from classical and jazz to Kendrick Lamar. Music brings me a sense of calm and helps me manage my work-life balance. Getting to share that with my loved ones is even better.
For any fellow music fans out there, my most recent musical excursions were Leslie Odom Jr. with the Colorado Symphony, Sum 41, and Hamilton the musical (twice!), and the next few concerts on the docket are The Wrecks and Post Malone!
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Socrates Mouskos—We get a lot of joy from this goofy cat! Meet Khaleesi, who was a Christmas present for my son, 12 years ago. This was back before a certain epic TV show didn't quite stick the landing. The look on my kid's face as he tried to squeeze the sleepiness out of his eyes and comprehend why this furry creature was crawling on his bed first-thing in the morning was priceless
We're not entirely convinced she knows she's a cat. She's very clumsy and has been known to slip, fall, and not land on her feet. Her predatory instincts never quite kicked in—when a neighborhood cat hisses aggressively at her, she simply tilts her head and stares with curiosity. She gives this same look of fascination when a bug passes by, but she makes no move to attack.
In this photo, she found a sticker amongst the Christmas wrapping fallout and decided she wanted to taste it. She couldn't get it off because it was stuck to her mouth—we had to chase her down to remove it. She's not the most ferocious beast in the jungle, but we sure love her!
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Jennifer Valdez—My nieces are the epitome of the word joy for me. They live in California, so I don’t get to see them nearly as often as I’d like. Over the holidays, I had the privilege of spending nine days with them on a Disney family vacation. Through their eyes, I got to experience true wonder and delight. From riding thrilling rides at Disney World to hugging their favorite characters, taking their first cruise, swimming with dolphins, splashing down water slides together, and eating endless amounts of ice cream, every moment felt like a dream come true.
They are growing up so quickly, one already a tween at this point, and I know I won't be the cool Titi with pink hair for much longer. They will always be my Disney Princesses, even if my role as their Titi evolves and grows with them. I feel pride and an abundance of joy knowing that I get to be a small piece of what is shaping them into the incomparable women I know they will undoubtedly be some day.
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Nick Eppard—When I think about what brings me joy, my vinyl record collection comes to mind immediately. Over the past number of years, I’ve built a collection that has become a source of happiness, nostalgia, and connection. For me, it’s not just about the music—though the warmth and richness of vinyl sound can’t be beat—but the entire experience.
Browsing records feels like a treasure hunt, each pick a unique discovery. Whether it’s a classic album I’ve loved for years or an unexpected find I know nothing about, there’s a thrill in bringing it home, setting it on the turntable, and letting it play.
My collection is more than just records; it’s a timeline of memories. There are records I picked up while traveling, ones gifted to me by family/friends, and even albums I stumbled upon during rainy afternoon adventures. Each one tells a story, and playing them transports me to a specific time or feeling.
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 —Chelsea Winegar - Director, Learning & Development for the State of Colorado
This has been quite a year for the Learning & Development for the State of Colorado (LDC) team, including a name change! As I reflect on what is to come, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the remarkable achievements of this small, resilient, and mighty LDC team.
Driving Statewide Innovation and Accessibility
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Full Implementation of a New Learning Experience Platform (LXP)
In just six months, we fully implemented a new LXP to support statewide accessibility efforts—a monumental achievement contributing to Colorado being ranked #1 in Accessibility.
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Expanded Access to Training Content
Through the LXP, agencies without access to LinkedIn Learning have access to Cornerstone OnDemand content, increasing equitability and inclusion to development resources across the state.
Empowering Leadership Across the State
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Emerging Leader Program
We launched the overwhelmingly popular Emerging Leader Program using Franklin Covey content and conducted train-the-trainer sessions. We provided All Access Passes to agencies that wanted to run cohorts of this program, significantly reducing costs while building internal capacity.
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Supervisor Essentials Program
A newly improved Supervisor Essentials Program was launched to equip leaders with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of leading at the state.
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De-escalation Training
Aligned with the Partnership Agreement, we successfully delivered train-the-trainer sessions for De-escalation Training, ensuring consistency and scalability across agencies.
Building Emotional Intelligence and Collaboration
Through a collaboration with CSEAP, we facilitated Emotional Intelligence, supporting their Emotional Intelligence Coaching Program and enhancing interpersonal workplace skills.
Investing in Professional Excellence
The LDC was able to upskill agency Learning & Development professionals across the state, earning certifications that reduce reliance on costly external consultants while increasing capacity for customized internal solutions. Certifications include:
- Hogan Personality Inventory
- Crucial Conversations
- Emergenetics
- ATD Coaching
- The Rocket Model – Building High-Performing Teams
- Center for Creative Leadership's 360 Feedback Tool
- Instructional Design – eLearning
- eCornell DEI
- DiSC
- Motivational Interviewing
- Prosci Train the Trainer
- TKI Conflict Management Tool
- Conflict Coaching
- Harvard’s Organizational Behavior Certificate
Additionally, we were able to provide memberships to the Association of Talent Development (ATD), the Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Informed by Data and Insights
We supported and conducted research-based needs assessments for Labor Relations, the Statewide Equity Office, and the HR Academy, ensuring programs are data-driven, effective, and aligned with program goals.
Looking Ahead: Committed to Impact, Regardless of Budget Outcomes
As we look to the future, we know the value of professional development regardless of funding, competing agendas, and shifting priorities. The LDC will continue to focus on connecting agencies with the best tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. Whether through leadership development, statewide training initiatives, or innovative learning technologies, the LDC team is committed to advancing Colorado’s workforce goals with creativity, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
An investment in learning is an investment in Colorado’s future.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
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